In Game 1 at TD Garden, the Celtics rolled to a 123-91 win over the 76ers, led by Jaylen Brown with 26 points and Jayson Tatum posting 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. Boston shared the scoring load, with six players reaching double figures, while Philadelphia shot only 36 percent and hit just four 3-pointers.
That dynamic has Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla wary of a potential letdown in Game 2. He has long warned that a blowout can breed complacency, and if Philadelphia starts strong early in Game 2, Boston could face a tougher environment and a tied series.
The same cautionary tale echoed in other series, as the Nuggets found themselves on the wrong side of a momentum swing against the Timberwolves, and the Knicks faced a similar challenge against the Hawks. The message to Boston is clear: protect the edge and avoid letting a big win morph into a lull.
Ahead of Game 2, Mazzulla stressed the importance of maintaining a consistent process regardless of the previous game’s result. He emphasized focusing on physicality, effort, and the specific decisions that make each possession matter, aiming to keep the Celtics sharp and ready for Philadelphia’s adjustments.
As the Celtics prepare for another playoff test, the takeaway remains straightforward: replicate the discipline and effort that carried them in Game 1, while staying prepared to respond to the opponent’s changes. Game 2 looms as a critical moment to demonstrate consistency and focus.
